The proposed bill amends Title 36 of the Arizona Revised Statutes to establish a regulated framework for medical aid in dying, allowing terminally ill adults with capacity to request a prescription for self-administered medication to end their life. It introduces key definitions and outlines a detailed request process that includes oral and written components, witness signatures, and the requirement for the attending physician to confirm the individual's informed decision-making free from coercion. The bill also emphasizes the involvement of mental health professionals in assessing the individual's capacity and ensuring they are not impaired by conditions affecting their judgment.
Additionally, the bill clarifies the roles of healthcare providers involved in medical aid in dying, mandates that the attending physician or healthcare facility director sign the death certificate with the cause of death attributed to the underlying terminal illness, and introduces new criminal penalties for actions such as coercion or document forgery. It also allows governmental entities to recover costs related to a qualified individual's death in public places and includes a detailed request form that emphasizes witness declarations and interpreter services, ensuring the process remains voluntary and protected against abuse. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the legal framework for end-of-life decisions while safeguarding individual rights and preventing misuse.